How to Avoid a Cold War
International relations scholar Daniel Bessner explains how the US-Soviet conflict was avoidable, and what the real lessons of the period known as the "Cold War" are for us today.
Articles by Current Affairs
Amy Goodman on Telling the Stories Power Wants Buried
Joined by filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, Goodman reflects on her career and the making of "Steal This Story, Please!"
The Death of Book World and Why Criticism Still Matters
Becca Rothfeld reflects on her layoff from The Washington Post, and what's at stake in a world without readers.
“The Cruelty is Staggering”: Jasper Nathaniel on Reporting from the West Bank
The journalist experienced firsthand violent attacks by Israeli settlers, while the U.S. embassy refused to intervene. Now, he's asking our politicians to take a stand.
A Revolutionary's Warning on Iran
Afshin Matin-Asgari on what it was like to fight the Shah as a leftist in 1979—and why U.S. and Israeli attacks won’t bring the change they claim to promise.
We’re Introducing Advertising!
Our magazine is dropping its ad-free policy—but don’t worry, we’re doing it responsibly.
“We’re All Just Open Targets Now”: Rania Khalek on Expanding War in Lebanon
From inside a city under fire, journalist Rania Khalek describes the devastation in Beirut, and the dissonance of Americans who think they'll remain unaffected.
Inside the Culture of Silence in Washington
Annelle Sheline resigned from the Biden administration over its support for the Gaza genocide. She explains why others stayed—and what it means for the war in Iran.